Question

Which quantities must be equal for a chemical reaction at equilibrium?

(1) the activation energies of the forward and reverse reactions
(2) the rates of the forward and reverse reactions
(3) the concentrations of the reactants and products
(4) the potential energies of the reactants and products

Answer 1

The answer is (2) the rates of the forward and reverse reactions. When the rates are equal and the concentration of reactants and products are constant not equal. Other like activation energies and potential energies are not necessary for equilibrium.